A Brisbane sunrise reveals construction cranes towering over the city skyline – but are we getting the designs all wrong? Picture: Liam Kidston. INTERNATIONAL researchers have been told Brisbane’s new ...

A Brisbane sunrise reveals construction cranes towering over the city skyline – but are we getting the designs all wrong? Picture: Liam Kidston.

INTERNATIONAL researchers have been told Brisbane’s new apartment designs are “over-glazed hot boxes” not suited to our subtropical climate.

In an address to the Healthy Housing 2016 Conference, QUT associate professor Rosemary Kennedy said the city’s multiple dwelling code should be reviewed and better designs were needed.

Researchers from Japan, Portugal, Vietnam, China, Germany, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, the US and New Zealand attended the QUT-hosted conference.

Ms Kennedy said a study of 15 Brisbane buildings that were approved within the past five years revealed four common failures in meeting the code’s sustainable subtropical design principles. Buildings from five to 30 storeys were scrutinised.

Professor Kennedy challenged designers on a lack of cross ventilation, the extensive use of glass on facades regardless of a building’s solar orientation, unsophisticated use of shading and, limited private outdoor living areas.

“We know from our previous research with apartment occupants that they prefer natural cooling methods to airconditioning,” Professor Kennedy said.

“They told us they want choice in how they control their indoor environment.

“Rather than having to use airconditioning all year round, residents like to be able to open windows and let breezes in when conditions are conducive.

“But we see many apartment blocks laid out with a central corridor which does not allow for cross ventilation – a primary strategy for natural cooling of a home.

“Furthermore large expanses of glass in balconies and floor-to-ceiling glass facades can produce unwanted heat gain and glare.

“These issues can be avoided if glass is shaded before the sun hits it or if there is less glass in the facade.”

Professor Kennedy said contemporary designs were too focused on views at the expense of sustainability and privacy.

“In our climate we like to use our outdoor living areas for many normal, everyday activities – relaxing, cooking, gardening or drying laundry,” she said.

“Fully glazed balustrades offer no privacy for these activities on apartment balconies.

“We need to see more use of fundamental architectural principles that are suitable for the city’s subtropical climate and lifestyle, or continue to have to use energy-intensive technology to compensate for generic designs.”

Professor Kennedy said many apartments now under construction would be less attractive to future occupants as energy costs increased.

“Without access to energy they will be extremely uncomfortable places to live in, and I predict rents will drop as people seek better-designed, low-energy alternatives,” she said.

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